Jan. 30, 2001

RELATED TOPICS

Senate Confirms Gail Norton

Senate Confirms Gail Norton

Senate Confirms Gail Norton

JOHN HEILPRIN

Jan. 30, 2001

https://www.apnews.com/33e26df79dbfd463949564af53e16f05

Link copied!

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Gale Norton won Senate approval Tuesday to head the Interior Department despite opposition from environmental groups and some Democrats, including one who said her views on land management were ``out of the mainstream.''

On a 75-24 vote, the Senate confirmed President Bush's choice of the Norton, a past advocate of state's and property rights, to be the government's chief steward for half a billion acres of federal land and natural resources as secretary of the interior.

Republicans said they were confident that Norton could balance both preserving and developing those resources.

``She grew up in Colorado, she understands what wilderness means,'' said Sen. Bob Smith, R-N.H.

Democrats said they only hope that Norton doesn't live up to their worst fears.

``I hope she listens to this and proves me wrong,'' said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. ``She's out of the mainstream of thought.''

The Senate also was acting Tuesday on Bush's nomination of former New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman to head the Environmental Protection Agency.